Elastic boundary wave device

ABSTRACT

A boundary acoustic wave device includes a dielectric substance that is laminated on one surface of a piezoelectric substance, an IDT and reflectors used as electrodes are disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, and the thicknesses of the electrodes are set such that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is less than that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and than that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance, so that a boundary acoustic wave device is formed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a boundary acoustic wave device using an SH type boundary acoustic wave and, in particular, to a boundary acoustic wave device having the structure in which electrodes are disposed at a boundary between a piezoelectric substance and a dielectric substrate.

BACKGROUND ART

Heretofore, various surface acoustic wave devices have been used for RF and IF filters in mobile phones, resonators in VCOs, and VIF filters in televisions. The surface acoustic wave devices employ a surface acoustic wave, such as a Rayleigh wave or a first leaky wave, propagating along a surface of a medium.

Since propagating along a surface of a medium, a surface acoustic wave is sensitive to the change in surface condition of the medium. Accordingly, in order to protect a surface of a medium along which the surface acoustic wave propagates, a surface acoustic wave element has been hermetic-sealed in a package having a cavity portion so that the surface of the medium described above is placed therein. Since a package having a cavity as described above has been used, the cost of the surface acoustic wave device has been inevitably increased. In addition, since the size of the package becomes much larger than that of a surface acoustic wave element, the size of the surface acoustic wave device has also been inevitably increased.

Besides the surface acoustic wave described above, of acoustic waves, a boundary acoustic wave is present which propagates along a boundary between solid substances.

For example, in “Piezoelectric Acoustic Boundary Waves Propagating Along the Interface Between SiO₂ and LiTaO₃” IEEE Trans. Sonics and ultrason., VOL. SU-25, No. 6, 1978 IEEE, a boundary acoustic wave device has been disclosed in which an IDT is formed on a 126° rotated Y plate X propagating LiTaO₃ substrate, and on the IDT and the LiTaO₃ substrate, a SiO₂ film having a predetermined thickness is formed. In the above technical paper, it has been disclosed that an SV+P type boundary acoustic wave, a so-called Stoneley wave, propagates. In addition, in “Piezoelectric Acoustic Boundary Waves Propagating Along the Interface Between SiO₂ and LiTaO₃” IEEE Trans. Sonics and ultrason., VOL. SU-25, No. 6, 1978 IEEE, it has also been disclosed that when the film thickness of the SiO₂ film described above is set to 1.0 λ (λ indicates the wavelength of a boundary acoustic wave), an electromechanical coefficient of 2% is obtained.

The boundary acoustic wave propagates when energy thereof is concentrated at a boundary portion between solid substrates. Accordingly, since the energy is not substantially present on the bottom surface of the above LiTaO₃ substrate and the surface of the SiO₂ film, the properties are not changed due to the change in surface conditions of the substrate and the thin film. Hence, a cavity type package is not required, and as a result, the size of the acoustic wave device can be reduced.

In addition, in “Highly Piezoelectric Boundary Acoustic Wave Propagating in Si/SiO₂/LiNbO₃ Structure” (26^(th) EM symposium, May 1997, pp. 53 to 58), an SH type boundary acoustic wave has been disclosed propagating in a [001]-Si(110)/SiO_(2/)Y-cut X propagating LiNbO₃ structure. This SH type boundary acoustic wave is characterized in that an electromechanical coefficient k² is large as compared to that of the Stoneley wave. In addition, also in the case of the SH type boundary acoustic wave, as is the case of the Stoneley wave, the cavity type package is not required. Furthermore, since the SH type boundary acoustic wave is an SH type wave, it is expected that the reflection coefficient of strips forming an IDT reflector is large as compared to that of the Stoneley wave. Hence, for example, when a resonator or a resonator filter is formed, by using the SH type boundary acoustic wave, miniaturization can be achieved, and in addition, it is expected to obtain steeper properties.

As a boundary acoustic wave device, a large electromechanical coefficient is required, and in addition, small propagation loss, power flow angle, and temperature coefficient of frequency are also required. A loss occurring concomitant with propagation of the boundary acoustic wave, that is, the propagation loss degrades the insertion loss of a boundary acoustic wave filter or degrades an impedance ratio of a boundary acoustic resonator, the impedance ratio being a ratio between a resonant resistance or the impedance at a resonant frequency and the impedance at an antiresonant frequency. Accordingly, a smaller propagation loss is more preferable.

The power flow angle is an angle showing the difference in direction between the phase velocity of a boundary acoustic wave and the group velocity of energy thereof. When the power flow angle is large, an IDT must be obliquely disposed in conformity with the power flow angle. As a result, designing of electrodes becomes complicated. In addition, due to the deviation in angle, the generation of loss is liable to occur.

Furthermore, when operating frequency of a boundary acoustic wave device is changed by temperature, in the case of a boundary acoustic wave filter, practical passband and stopband regions are decreased. In the case of a resonator, the change in operating frequency by temperature described above causes abnormal oscillation when an oscillation circuit is formed. Hence, it is more preferable when the change in frequency per degree centigrade, i.e., TCF, is smaller.

For example, when reflectors are provided along a propagation direction and outside a region in which a transmitting and a receiving IDT, which respectively transmits and receives a boundary acoustic wave, are provided, a resonant filter having a low loss can be formed. The band width of this resonant filter depends on the electromechanical coefficient of the boundary acoustic wave. When the electromechanical coefficient k² is large, a wide band filter can be obtained, and when it is small, a narrow band filter is formed. Accordingly, the electromechanical coefficient k² of a boundary acoustic wave which is used for a boundary acoustic wave device is required to have an appropriate value in consideration of its application. When an RF filter for mobile phones is formed, the electromechanical coefficient k² is required to be 5% or more.

However, in the boundary acoustic wave device using a Stoneley wave, disclosed in “Piezoelectric Acoustic Boundary Waves Propagating Along the Interface Between SiO₂ and LiTaO₃” IEEE Trans. Sonics and ultrason., VOL. SU-25, No. 6, 1978 IEEE, the electromechanical coefficient k² was small, such as 2%.

In addition, in the Si/SiO₂/LiNbO₃ Structure disclosed in “Highly Piezoelectric Boundary Wave Propagating in Si/SiO₂/LiNbO₃ Structure” (26^(th) EM symposium, May 1997, pp. 53 to 58), in order to actually excite the boundary acoustic wave, as shown in FIG. 1 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-84247, it was required to form a complicated four-layered structure of Si/SiO₂/IDT/LiNbO₃. Furthermore, when Si was actually disposed in the [001]-Si(110) orientation proposed as the most optimal conditions, a bonding method of high degree of difficulty had to be used as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-84247. In general, it has been difficult to uniformly bond a wafer having a diameter of 3 inches or more, which is used for mass production, by a bonding method. In addition, when the wafer was cut into chips after bonding, defects such as peeling were liable to occur.

As for the SH type boundary acoustic wave, as disclosed in “Investigation of Piezoelectric SH Type Boundary Acoustic Wave”, Technical Report, The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, Vol. 96, No. 249 (US96 45-53) PAGE. 21 to 26, 1966, in the structure composed of an isotropic substance and a BGSW substrate, when the conditions are satisfied in that the acoustic velocity of a transverse wave of the isotropic substance and that of a transverse wave of the BGSW substrate are close to each other, the density ratio is small, and the piezoelectric properties are strong, the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be obtained.

However, due to limitation of materials capable of satisfying the conditions described above, it was difficult to satisfy the aforementioned various performances and properties required for the boundary acoustic wave. For example, in the [001]-Si(110)/X-LiNbO₃ structure disclosed in “Highly Piezoelectric Boundary Wave Propagating in Si/SiO₂/LiNbO₃ Structure” (26^(th) EM symposium, May 1997, pp. 53 to 58), it was necessary to use a bonding method of high degree of difficulty for production.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In consideration of the current status of the conventional techniques described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a boundary acoustic wave device using an SH type boundary acoustic wave, the boundary acoustic wave device having a large electromechanical coefficient, small propagation loss and power flow angle, a temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in an appropriate range, and a simple structure which can be manufacture by a simple method.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provide a boundary acoustic wave device comprising a piezoelectric substance, a dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance, and electrodes disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, in which the boundary acoustic wave device uses an SH type boundary acoustic wave propagating along the boundary. In the boundary acoustic wave device described above, the thickness of the electrodes is determined so that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is low as compared to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a boundary acoustic wave device comprising a piezoelectric substance, a dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance, and electrodes disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, in which the boundary acoustic wave device uses an SH type boundary acoustic wave propagating along the boundary. In the boundary acoustic wave device described above, the duty ratio of strips forming the electrodes is determined so that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is low as compared to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a boundary acoustic wave device comprising a piezoelectric substance primarily composed of LiNbO₃, a dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance, and electrodes disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, in which the boundary acoustic wave device uses an SH type boundary acoustic wave propagating along the boundary. In the boundary acoustic wave device described above, φ of Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ) of the piezoelectric substance primarily composed of LiNbO₃ is in the range of −31° to +31°, and θ and ψ are in a region surrounded by points A01 to A13 in Table 1 below. TABLE 1 POINT ψ(°) θ(°) A01 0 116 A02 11 118 A03 20 123 A04 25 127 A05 33 140 A06 60 140 A07 65 132 A08 54 112 A09 48 90 A10 43 87 A11 24 90 A12 0 91 A13 0 116

In the boundary acoustic wave device according to the third aspect of the present invention, θ and ψ of the Euler angles are in a region surrounded by points D01 to D07 in Table 2 below. TABLE 2 POINT ψ(°) θ(°) D01 0 126 D02 13 123 D03 25 112 D04 30 96 D05 29 80 D06 0 80 D07 0 126

In the boundary acoustic wave device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the thickness of the electrodes is determined so that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is low as compared to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the duty ratio of strips forming the electrodes is determined so that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is low as compared to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a boundary acoustic wave device comprising a piezoelectric substance primarily composed of LiNbO₃, a dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance and primarily composed of SiO₂, and electrodes disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance. In the boundary acoustic wave device described above, when the density of the electrodes, the thickness of the electrodes, and the wavelength of a boundary acoustic wave are represented by ρ (kg/m³), H (λ), and λ, respectively, H>8,261.744ρ^(−1.376) holds, and Euler angles of the piezoelectric substance are in the range of (0°, 90°, 0°) to (0°, 90°, 38°), (0°, 90°, 142°) to (0°, 90°, 180°), (90°, 90°, 0°) to (90°, 90°, 36°), (90°, 90°, 140°) to (90°, 90°, 180°), (0°, 55°, 0°) to (0°, 134°, 0°), (90°, 51°, 0°) to (90°, 129°, 0°), or (0°, 90°, 0°) to (180°, 90°, 0°).

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the Euler angles of the piezoelectric substance are equivalent to Euler angles represented by the following equation (A) at which boundary acoustic wave properties are obtained which are substantially equivalent to those of the piezoelectric substance. $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {{F\left( {\phi,\theta,\psi} \right)} = {F\left( {{{60{^\circ}} - \phi},{- \theta},\psi} \right)}} \\ {= {F\left( {{{60{^\circ}} + \phi},{- \theta},{{180{^\circ}} - \psi}} \right)}} \\ {= {F\left( {\phi,{{180{^\circ}} + \theta},{{180{^\circ}} - \psi}} \right)}} \\ {= {F\left( {\phi,\theta,{{180{^\circ}} + \psi}} \right)}} \end{matrix} & {{Equation}\quad(A)} \end{matrix}$

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a boundary acoustic wave device comprising a piezoelectric substance primarily composed of LiNbO₃, a dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance and primarily composed of SiO₂, and electrodes disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, in which the boundary acoustic wave device uses an SH type boundary acoustic wave propagating along the boundary. In the boundary acoustic wave device described above, when the density of the electrodes, the thickness of the electrodes, and the wavelength of the boundary acoustic wave are represented by ρ (kg/m³), H (λ), and λ, respectively, H>8,261.744ρ^(−1.376) holds.

In the boundary acoustic wave device according to one of the third to the fifth aspects, the density ρ of the electrodes is preferably more than 3,745 kg/m³.

In the boundary acoustic wave device according to one of the third to the fifth aspects, the thickness H of the electrodes satisfies the following equation (1). 33,000.39050ρ^(−1.50232)<H<88,818.90913ρ^(−1.54998)   Equation (1)

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a boundary acoustic wave device comprising a boundary acoustic-wave propagation structure in which an SH type boundary acoustic wave and a Stoneley wave propagate. In the boundary acoustic wave device described above, the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is low as compared to that of slow transverse waves of two media forming a boundary, and the acoustic velocity of the Stoneley wave is high as compared to that of at least one of the slow transverse waves of the two media.

According to one of the first to the sixth aspects of the present invention, the electrodes each preferably primarily comprise an electrode layer which is composed of at least one selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, W, Ta, Pt, Mo, Cr, Ti, ZnO, ITO, and an alloy primarily containing at least one of the above conductive materials.

In addition, besides the electrode layer, the electrodes may each further comprise at least one second electrode layer containing a conductive material other than the conductive materials forming the electrode layer.

Advantages

In the boundary acoustic wave device of the first aspect according to the present invention, there are provided the piezoelectric substance, the dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance, and the electrodes disposed at the boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, and the thickness of the electrodes is determined so that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is low as compared to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance.

In addition, according to the second aspect of the present invention, there are provided the piezoelectric substance, the dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance, and the electrodes disposed at the boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, and the duty ratio of the strips forming the electrodes is determined so that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is low as compared to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance.

According to the first and the second aspects of the present invention, since the thickness of the electrodes or the duty ratio of the sprits is determined as described above, an SH type boundary acoustic wave device can be provided in which the SH type boundary acoustic wave propagates in the dielectric substance and in the piezoelectric substance.

In the boundary acoustic wave device of the third aspect according to the present invention, since the piezoelectric substance primarily composed of LiNbO₃ is used, φ of the Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ) of the LiNbO₃ is in the range of −31° to +31°, and θ and ψ are in the region surrounded by the points A01 to A13 in Table 1 described above, the spurious caused by the Stoneley wave can be effectively suppressed, and the electromechanical coefficient k² of the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be increased.

In particular, when θ and ψ of the Euler angles are in the region surrounded by the points D01 to D07 in Table 2, the electromechanical coefficient k² of the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be increased to 10% or more.

In addition, in the boundary acoustic wave device of the third aspect according to the present invention, when the thickness of the electrodes is determined so that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is low as compared to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance, or when the duty ratio of the strips forming the electrodes is determined so that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is low as compared to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance, an SH type boundary acoustic wave device can be provided in which the SH type boundary acoustic wave reliably propagates along the boundary between the dielectric substance and the piezoelectric substance.

According to the boundary acoustic wave device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the structure in which the dielectric substance primarily composed of SiO₂ is laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance primarily composed of LiNbO₃, and in which the electrodes are disposed at the boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, since H>8,261.744ρ^(−1.376) holds, and the Euler angles of the piezoelectric substance are in the specific region described above, a boundary acoustic wave device can be provided which uses a boundary acoustic wave and which has a large electromechanical coefficient.

In addition, in the boundary acoustic wave device of the fourth aspect according to the present invention, the Euler angles of the piezoelectric substance described above may be substituted for Euler angles represented by the equation (A) at which boundary acoustic wave properties are substantially equivalent to those of the piezoelectric substance.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since there are provided the piezoelectric substance primarily composed of LiNbO₃, the dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance and primarily composed of SiO₂, and the electrodes disposed at the boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, and when the density of the electrodes, the thickness of the electrodes, and the wavelength of the boundary acoustic wave are represented by ρ (kg/m³), H (λ), and λ, respectively, since H>8,261.744ρ^(−1.376) holds, a boundary acoustic wave device can be provided which can propagate the SH type boundary acoustic wave while the spurious caused by the Stoneley wave can be effectively suppressed.

In addition, according to the third to the fifth aspects of the present invention, when the density ρ is more than 3,745 kg/m³, the thickness of the electrodes at which the propagation loss is 0 can be decreased. Hence, the electrodes can be easily formed.

Furthermore, when the electrode thickness H satisfies the above equation (1), the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF of the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be decreased to ±20 ppm or less.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the boundary acoustic wave device having the boundary acoustic-wave propagation structure in which the SH type boundary acoustic wave and the Stoneley wave propagate, since the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is low as compared to that of slow transverse waves of. two media forming a boundary, and the acoustic velocity of the Stoneley wave is high as compared to that of at least one of the slow transverse waves of the two media, the propagation loss of the Stoneley wave is degraded, thereby the spurious caused by the Stoneley wave is suppressed, and as a result, frequency properties of a boundary acoustic wave device using the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be improved.

In the present invention, when the electrodes each primarily comprise an electrode layer which is composed of at least one selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, W, Ta, Pt, Mo, Cr, Ti, ZnO, ITO, and an alloy primarily containing at least one of the above metals, a boundary acoustic wave device using the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be: provided according to the present invention. In addition, when the electrodes each further comprise at least one second electrode layer composed of a metal other than the metals forming the electrode layer, by selecting a metal material forming the second electrode layer, the adhesion between the electrodes and the dielectric substance or the piezoelectric substance can be improved, or electric power resistance can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a boundary acoustic wave device of one embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the acoustic velocity V and the thickness H/λ of an electrode, which is obtained when electrodes are each formed between a piezoelectric substance and a dielectric substance using electrode materials having different densities.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the propagation loss a and the thickness H/λ of an electrode, which is obtained when electrodes are each formed between a piezoelectric substance and a dielectric substance using electrode materials having different densities.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the electromechanical coefficient k² and the thickness H/λ of an electrode, which is obtained when electrodes are each formed between a piezoelectric substance and a dielectric substance using electrode materials having different densities.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF and the thickness H/λ of an electrode, which is obtained when electrodes are each formed between a piezoelectric substance and a dielectric substance using electrode materials having different densities.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the power flow angle PFA and the thickness H/λ of an electrode, which is obtained when electrodes are each formed between a piezoelectric substance and a dielectric substance using electrode materials having different densities.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the density ρ of an electrode material and the electrode thickness H (λ) at which the propagation loss is 0.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the density ρ of an electrode material and the electrode thickness H (λ) at which TCF is −20, −10, 0, +10, and +20 ppm/° C.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the frequency properties of a boundary acoustic wave resonator experimentally formed in EXAMPLE 2.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 0°, 0°) and a SiO₂ film is formed.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 0°, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the propagation loss α in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 0°, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 0°, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 0°, 0°) and a SiO₂ film is formed.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 0°, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 0°, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the propagation loss a in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 0°, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 18 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 0°, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 19 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 0°, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 20 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 90°, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 21 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 90°, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 22 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the propagation loss α in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 90°, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 23 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 90°, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 24 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 90°, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 25 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 90°, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 26 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 90°, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 27 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the propagation loss α in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 90°, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 28 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 90°, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 29 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 90°, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 30 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 31 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 32 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the propagation loss α in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 33 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 34 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 35 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 36 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 37 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the propagation loss α in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 38 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 39 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 40 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, Θ, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 41 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, θ, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 42 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the propagation loss α in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on;a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, θ, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 43 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, θ, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 44 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, θ, 0°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 45 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, θ, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 46 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, θ, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 47 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the propagation loss α in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, θ, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 48 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, θ, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 49 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle θ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, θ, 90°) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 50 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 0°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 51 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 0°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 52 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the propagation loss α in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 0°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 53 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 0°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 54 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 0°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 55 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 90°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 56 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 90°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 57 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the propagation loss α in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 90°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 58 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 90°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 59 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 90°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 60 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, 0°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 61 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, 0°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 62 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the propagation loss α in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, 0°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 63 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, 0°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 64 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, 0°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 65 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, 90°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 66 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, 90°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 67 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the propagation loss α in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, 90°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 68 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, 90°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 69 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle ψ and the power flow angle PFA in the structure in which Au electrodes are formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (90°, 90°, ψ) and a SiO2 film is formed.

FIG. 70 is a schematic plan view of an electrode structure of an SH type boundary acoustic wave resonator prepared in EXAMPLE 6.

FIG. 71 is a graph showing the impedance properties obtained in the case in which LiNbO₃ having Euler angle (0°, 90°, 0°) is used in EXAMPLE 6.

FIG. 72 is a graph showing the impedance properties obtained in the case in which LiNbO₃ having Euler angles (0°, 105°, 0°) is used in EXAMPLE 6.

FIG. 73 is a graph showing calculated values of displacement components U1, U2, and U3 of an SH type boundary acoustic wave in a boundary acoustic wave device of EXAMPLE 6.

FIG. 74 includes graphs showing the impedance properties in the case in which LiNbO₃ having Euler angles (90°, 90°, ψ) is used at ψ in the range of 0° to 35° in EXAMPLE 7.

FIG. 75 is a graph showing the relationship of ψ of Euler angles (90°, 90°, ψ) with the difference between a resonant frequency and an antiresonant frequency and the impedance ratio in EXAMPLE 7.

FIG. 76 is a view showing a circuit structure of a ladder type filter formed using an SH type boundary acoustic wave resonator in EXAMPLE 8.

FIG. 77 is a graph showing the relationship of Euler angles θ and ψ and the electromechanical coefficient k² of an SH boundary acoustic wave in the structure in which an Au electrode 0.06 λ thick is formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, ψ), and a SiO₂ film is further formed in EXAMPLE 4.

FIG. 78 is a graph showing the relationship of Euler angles θ and ψ and the electromechanical coefficient k² of a Stoneley wave in the structure in which an Au electrode 0.06 λthick is formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, ψ), and a SiO₂ film is further formed in EXAMPLE 4.

FIG. 79 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the acoustic velocities V of an SH boundary acoustic wave and a Stoneley wave obtained when a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 105°, 0°) is used in EXAMPLE 5.

FIG. 80 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF obtained when a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 105°, 0°) is used in EXAMPLE 5.

FIG. 81 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the electromechanical coefficient k² obtained when a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 105°, 0°) is used in EXAMPLE 5.

FIG. 82 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the power flow angle obtained when a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 105°, 0°) is used in EXAMPLE 5.

FIG. 83 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the acoustic velocities V of an SH boundary acoustic wave and a Stoneley wave obtained when a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 105°, ψ) is used in EXAMPLE 5.

FIG. 84 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF obtained when a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 105°, ψ) is used in EXAMPLE 5.

FIG. 85 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the electromechanical coefficient k² obtained when a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 105°, ψ) is used in EXAMPLE 5.

FIG. 86 is a graph showing the relationship between Euler angle φ and the power flow angle obtained when a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 105°, ψ) is used in EXAMPLE 5.

FIG. 87 is a graph showing the relationship of Euler angle θ and the acoustic velocity V in the structure in which an Au electrode 0.05 λ thick is formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 0°), and a SiO₂ film is further formed in EXAMPLE 4.

FIG. 88 is a graph showing the relationship of Euler angle θ and the electromechanical coefficient k² in the structure in which an Au electrode 0.05 λ thick is formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 0°), and a SiO₂ film is further formed in EXAMPLE 4.

FIG. 89 is a graph showing the relationship of Euler angle θ and the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF in the structure in which an Au electrode 0.05 λ thick is formed on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 0°), and a SiO₂ film is further formed in EXAMPLE 4.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, explanation of particular examples of the present invention will be made with reference to figures so as to make the present invention apparent.

When a boundary acoustic wave is propagated between two solid layers, the conditions must be satisfied in that energy of the boundary acoustic wave is concentrated between the solid layers. In this case, as described above, in “Investigation of Piezoelectric SH Type Boundary Acoustic Wave”, Technical Report, The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, Vol. 96, No. 249 (US96 45-53) PAGE. 21 to 26, 1966, a method has been disclosed in which materials are selected so that the acoustic velocity of the transverse wave of the isotropic substance and that of the BGSW substrate are close to each other, the density ratio therebetween is small, and the piezoelectric properties are strong.

In general, when a high velocity region and a low velocity region are present, the wave concentrates at the region in which the acoustic velocity is low and propagates therethrough. Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention discovered that when the acoustic velocity of a boundary acoustic wave propagating between solid layers is decreased by increasing the thickness of electrodes using a material made of a metal such as Au, which has a large density and low acoustic velocity, as an electrode material disposed between the two solid layers, the condition in which the energy is concentrated between the solid layers can be satisfied, and as a result, the present invention was made.

Heretofore, there have been known three types of bulk waves propagating in a solid substance, that is, a longitudinal wave, a fast transverse wave, and a slow transverse wave, and they are called a P wave, an SH wave, and an SV wave, respectively. Whether the SH wave or the SV wave becomes a slow transverse wave is determined by the anisotropic properties of a base material. Among the three types of bulk waves described above, a bulk wave having the lowest acoustic velocity is a slow transverse wave. When the solid substance is an isotropic substance such as SiO₂, only one type of transverse wave propagates therethrough, and this transverse wave is a slow transverse wave.

In addition, in a boundary acoustic wave propagating in an anisotropic base material such as a piezoelectric substrate, in most cases, three displacement components of the P wave, the SH wave, and the SV wave propagate while being coupled, and the type of boundary acoustic wave is determined by the primary component. For example, the Stoneley wave is a boundary acoustic wave primarily composed of the P wave and the SV wave, and the SH type boundary acoustic wave is a boundary acoustic wave primarily composed of the SH component. In addition, depending on the conditions, the SH wave component and the P wave or the SV wave component may propagate in some cases without being coupled therebetween.

In the boundary acoustic wave, since the above three displacement components propagate while being coupled, for example, in a boundary acoustic wave having an acoustic velocity faster than the SH wave, the SH component and the SV component leak, and in a boundary acoustic wave having an acoustic velocity faster than the SV wave, the SV component leaks. This leaky-wave component causes the propagation loss of the boundary acoustic wave.

Accordingly, when the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is decreased low as compared to that of two slow transverse waves of two solid layers, energy of the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be concentrated around electrodes disposed between the two solid layers, and an SH type boundary acoustic wave having a large electromechanical coefficient k² can be propagated; hence, as a result, the condition can be obtained in which the propagation loss is 0. The present invention was made based on the consideration as described above.

In addition, when at least one of the solid layers is formed from a piezoelectric substance, and the other solid layer is formed from a dielectric substance including a piezoelectric substance, the SH type boundary acoustic wave is excited by electrodes disposed between the solid layers. According to the knowledge of the inventor of the present invention, when a piezoelectric substance is used as the dielectric substance, and a film of the piezoelectric substance is formed by an inexpensive film forming method such as sputtering or CVD, the piezoelectric constant of the piezoelectric substance becomes unstable, and unnecessary spurious responses are generated; hence, a material having no piezoelectric properties is preferably used as the dielectric substance.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of a boundary acoustic wave device of one embodiment according to the present invention. In a boundary acoustic wave device 1, on the upper surface of a piezoelectric substance 2 in the form of a plate, a dielectric substance 3 is provided. At the boundary between the piezoelectric substance 2 and the dielectric substance 3, an IDT 4 and reflectors 5 and 6 are disposed as electrodes. The reflectors 5 and 6 are disposed on both sides of the IDT 4 along a propagation direction of a surface acoustic wave, and by this arrangement, a boundary acoustic wave resonator is formed in this embodiment.

The feature of the boundary acoustic wave device 1 of this embodiment is that the thickness of the IDT 4 and that of the reflectors 5 and 6 are increased so that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is low as compared to that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance 3 and that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance 2.

In this embodiment, since the thickness of the electrodes is increased, and thereby the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is decreased lower than that of the respective slow transverse waves propagating in the piezoelectric substance 2 and the dielectric substance 3, the energy of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is concentrated at the boundary between the piezoelectric substance 2 and the dielectric substance 3. Hence, an SH type boundary acoustic wave having a large electromechanical coefficient k can be propagated with a small propagation loss.

In addition to the propagation of the SH type boundary acoustic wave by increasing the thickness of the electrodes, according to the present invention, by controlling the duty ratio of strips forming the electrodes as described below, the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be decreased lower than that of the respective slow transverse waves propagating in the piezoelectric substance 2 and the dielectric substance 3, and thereby the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be concentrated at the boundary and can be propagated therethrough.

Hereinafter, with reference to particular examples, the present invention will be described in more detail.

EXAMPLE 1

As the piezoelectric substance 2, a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 90°, 0°), that is, a Y plate X propagating LiTaO₃ substrate was prepared. By using the LiNbO₃ substrate, superior piezoelectric properties can be obtained. In addition, as a material for forming the dielectric substance 3, SiO₂ was used. A thin film can be easily formed from SiO2, and since having a positive temperature coefficient of frequency TCF which offsets a negative TCF of the LiNbO₃, SiO₂ can improve the temperature properties.

By using various electrode materials having different densities, the electrodes were formed between the piezoelectric substance 2 and the dielectric substance 3, and the relationship of the electrode thickness with the acoustic velocity V, the electromechanical coefficient k², the propagation loss α, the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF, and the power flow angle PFA were measured. The results are shown in FIGS. 2 to 6.

The results shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 were obtained by calculation based on a method disclosed in “A method for estimating optimal cuts and propagation directions for excitation and propagation directions for excitation of piezoelectric surface waves” (J. J. Campbell, and W. R Jones, IEEE Trans. Sonics and Ultrason., Vol. SU-15 (1968) pp. 209 to 217).

In the case of a free boundary, the displacement, the potential, the normal line component of an electric flux density, and the stress in the up and down direction at the respective boundaries between SiO₂ and Au and between Au and LiNbO₃ were regarded as being continuous, the thicknesses of SiO₂ and LiNbO₃ were regarded as infinite, and the relative dielectric constant of Au was regarded as 1, so that the acoustic velocity and the propagation loss were obtained. In addition, in the case of a short-circuit boundary, the potentials at the respective boundaries between SiO₂ and Au and between Au and LiNbO₃ were regarded as 0. In addition, the electromechanical coefficient k² was obtained by the following equation (2). k ²=2×|Vf−V|/Vf   Equation (2)

In the above equation, Vf indicates the acoustic velocity of the free boundary.

The temperature coefficient of frequency TCF was obtained from phase velocities V at 20° C., 25° C., and 30° C. by the following equation (3). TCF=V ⁻¹(25° C.)×[(V(30° C.)−V(20° C.))/10°°C.]−αs   Equation (3)

In the above equation, αs is the coefficient of thermal expansion of the LiNbO₃ substrate in the direction of boundary acoustic wave propagation.

In addition, the power flow angle PFA at optional Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ) was obtained from the phase velocities at angles of ψ−0.5°, ψ, ψ+0.50° by the following equation (4). PFA=tan⁻¹ [V ⁻¹(ψ)×(V(ψ+0.5°)−V(ψ−0.5°))]  Equation (4)

The acoustic velocities of a longitudinal wave, a fast transverse wave, and a slow transverse wave in the Y plate X propagating LiTaO₃ substrate are 6,547, 4,752, and 4,031 m/second, respectively. In addition, the acoustic velocities of a longitudinal wave and a slow transverse wave of SiO₂ are 5,960 and 3,757 m/second, respectively.

According to the graphs shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is understood that, by any type of electrode materials, at the thickness at which the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave becomes 3,757 m/second or less which is the lowest velocity among the longitudinal wave, fast transverse wave, and slow transverse waves, the propagation loss α of the SH type boundary acoustic wave becomes 0.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the density ρ of the electrode material and the electrode thickness H at which the propagation loss of the SH type boundary acoustic wave becomes 0. As can be seen from FIG. 7, it is understood that when the following equation (5) holds, an SH type boundary acoustic wave having a propagation loss α of 0 can be obtained. H(λ)>8,261.744ρ^(−1.376)   Equation (5)

In addition, when this type of boundary acoustic wave device is manufactured, electrodes such as an IDT are formed on a piezoelectric substrate made of LiNbO₃ or the like by a photolithographic method including lift-off, dry etching or the like, and on the electrodes thus formed, a dielectric film made of SiO₂ or the like is formed by a deposition method such as sputtering, evaporation, or CVD. Hence, due to irregularities caused by the thickness of the IDT, the dielectric film may be obliquely grown or the quality thereof may become non-uniform in some cases, and as a result, the properties of the boundary acoustic wave device may be degraded in some cases. In order to avoid the degradation of the properties described above, the thickness of the electrodes is preferably decreased as small as possible.

According to research carried out by the inventors of the present invention, when the film thickness H of the electrode material for the IDT or the like is 0.1 λ or more, by the irregularities thereof, it becomes very difficult to form a dielectric thin film having superior quality, and hence the electrode thickness is preferably decreased to 0.1 λ or less. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, it is understood that when an electrode material having a density ρ of 3,745 kg/m³ or more is used, the electrode thickness H at which the propagation loss becomes 0 can be decreased to 0.1 λ.

In addition, as can be seen from FIG. 4, it is understood that at the electrode thickness at which the above equation (5) holds, the electromechanical coefficient k² is large, such as 10% to 38%, and hence a boundary acoustic wave device having a broad band and a low loss can be obtained.

In addition, as can be seen from FIG. 5, it is understood that the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF is in the range of −40 to +40 ppm/° C. under most conditions, and that by adjustment of the electrode thickness, TCF can be decreased to ±20 ppm/° C. or less and to ±10 ppm/° C. or less and can be further decreased to ±0 ppm/° C. or less.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the relationship between the density ρ of the electrode material and the electrode thicknesses H at which TCFs of −20, −10, 0, −10 and +20 ppm/° C. are obtained, the relationship being indicated by points and an approximation curve thereof. As can be seen from FIG. 8, an electrode thickness H having a preferable TCF in the range of −20 to +20 ppm/° C. is obtained when the following equation (6) holds, an electrode thickness H having a more preferable TCF in the range of −10 to +10 ppm/° C. is obtained when the following equation (7) holds, and an electrode thickness H having a most preferable TCF of 0 ppm/° C. is obtained when the following equation (8) holds. 33,000.39050ρ^(−1.50232) <H<88,818.90913ρ^(−1.54998)   Equation (6) 49,889.90887ρ^(−1.53872) <H<112,510.78359ρ^(−1.60019)   Equation (7) H=96,984.47020ρ^(−1.59706)   Equation (8)

In addition, as can be seen from FIG. 6, it is understood that the power flow angle PFA is advantageously 0 at any film thickness H.

EXAMPLE 2

Based on the results obtained in EXAMPLE 1 described above, a boundary acoustic wave resonator shown in FIG. 1 and having the structure shown in Table 3 below was experimentally formed. The frequency properties of the boundary acoustic wave resonator thus formed are shown in FIG. 9.

In order to increase the adhesion between Au and LiNbO₃, a Ti film having a thickness of 0.006 λ was formed between the Au and a piezoelectric substance made of the LiNbO₃. TABLE 3 ITEMS DETAILS STRUCTURE SiO₂/Au/LiNbO₃ SiO₂ THICKNESS 7.5 λ Au THICKNESS 0.035 λ IDT, REFLECTOR 3.2 μm PERIOD λ IDT CONFIGURATION NORMAL TYPE SINGLE STRIP, 50 STRIPS, OPEN LENGTH OF 25 λ REFLECTOR NORMAL TYPE SINGLE STRIP, CONFIGURATION 40 STRIPS, OPEN LENGTH OF 25 λ

In the boundary acoustic wave resonator described above, the impedance ratio, that is, the ratio of the impedance at an antiresonant point to that at a resonant point was 45.6 dB, and the difference between the resonant frequency and the antiresonant frequency was 8.1%; hence, preferable results were obtained. In addition, the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF of the resonator was 45 ppm/° C.

Accordingly, since preferable resonant properties could be obtained with a small number of strips, such as 52 pairs of electrode fingers of the IDT and 40 strips of the reflectors, it is believed that the reflection coefficient of the strips of the IDT and reflectors is high.

However, as shown in FIG. 9, a small spurious response indicated by an arrow A was observed around the antiresonant frequency. In application in which propagation properties around the resonant frequency is used, for example, in a boundary acoustic wave trap circuit, the phenomenon described above may not cause any problem; however, for a ladder boundary acoustic wave filter or a longitudinal coupled resonator type boundary acoustic wave filter using propagation properties around the antiresonant frequency, the phenomenon described above may cause a problem in some cases. Accordingly, in order to increase the range of application of the SH type boundary acoustic wave device and to further improve the properties thereof, the above spurious response is preferably suppressed.

EXAMPLE 3

The above spurious response generated around the antiresonant frequency in EXAMPLE 2 is a response of a Stoneley wave confined around the electrodes disposed at the boundary between SiO₂ and LiNbO₃ due to the increase in thickness of the electrodes as is the case of the SH type boundary acoustic wave. Since the acoustic velocity of the Stoneley wave is low than that of the SH type boundary acoustic wave in many cases, even when the electrode thickness is small as compared to that of the case of the SH type boundary acoustic wave, the Stoneley wave is present as a boundary acoustic wave.

For example, when a SiO₂ film having a sufficiently large thickness is formed on a Y-cut X propagating (represented by Euler angles (0+, 90°, 0°)) LiNbO₃ substrate so that the surface acoustic wave such as a Rayleigh wave or a first leaky wave is not excited, and Au electrodes are disposed between the LiNbO₃ substrate and the SiO₂ film, the SH type boundary acoustic wave has large attenuation and does not propagate unless the thickness of the Au electrode is 0.0105 λ or more; however, even when the thickness of the Au electrode is 0, although the attenuation thereof is not 0, the Stoneley wave may propagate.

Accordingly, in order to suppress the spurious caused by the Stoneley wave, by using the calculation method of EXAMPLE 1, the relationship of the Euler angles of the LiNbO₃ substrate with the acoustic velocities V, the electromechanical coefficients k², the propagation losses α, the temperature coefficients of frequency TCF, and the power flow angles PFA of the Stoneley wave and the SH type boundary acoustic wave were measured, respectively.

As the structure used for this measurement, on a LiNbO₃ substrate, Au electrodes were formed, and a SiO₂ film was also formed. The thickness of the Au electrodes was set to 0.07 λ, and the Euler angles were set to (0°, 0°, ψ), (0°, 90°, ψ), (90°, 0°, ψ) , (90°, 90°, ψ) , (0°, θ, 0°), (0°, θ, 90°), (90°, η, 0°), (90°, θ, 90°), (φ, 0°, 0°), (φ, 0°, 90°), (φ, 90°, 0°), and (φ, 90°, 90°), in which ψ, φ were each in the range of 0° to 180°.

In FIGS. 10 to 69, the results are shown.

In FIGS. 10 to 69, the value provided with a subscript of m indicates the calculated value in a short circuit boundary in which a metal film is disposed between the SiO₂ film and the LiNbO₃ substrate, and the value provided with a subscript f indicates the calculated value in a virtual free boundary obtained by assuming that the relative dielectric constant of a metal film is 1. The value provided with a prefix U2 indicates the calculated value of the SH type boundary acoustic wave, and the value provided with a prefix U3 indicates the calculated value of the Stoneley wave.

When the electromechanical coefficient k² of the Stoneley wave is 2% or less, since the degradation in properties based on the spurious caused by the Stoneley wave is small, a boundary acoustic wave device using the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be used for relatively limited application. The electromechanical coefficient k² is more preferably 1% or less, and in this case, the boundary acoustic wave device can be more widely used. In addition, the electromechanical coefficient k² of the Stoneley wave is even more preferably 0.1% or less, and in this case, since influence of the spurious of the Stoneley wave can be substantially ignored, the boundary acoustic wave device may be used for a filter required to have a large attenuation or a highly precise resonator in which a minute spurious resonant response is not accepted.

In FIGS. 10 to 69, the Euler angles at which the electromechanical coefficient k² of the Stoneley wave is 2% or less are in the range of (0°, 90°, 0°) to (0°, 90°, 50°), (0°, 90°, 130°) to (0°, 90°, 180°), (90°, 90°, 0°) to (90°, 90°, 60°), (90°, 90°, 143°) to (90°, 90°, 180°), (0°, 84°, 0°) to (0°, 120°, 0°), (90°, 68°, 90°) to (90°, 112°, 90°), and (0°, 90°, 0°) to (180°, 90°, 0°); the Euler angles at which k² of the Stoneley wave is 1% or less are in the range of (90°, 90°, 0°) to (90°, 90°, 52°), (90°, 90°, 164°) to (90°, 90°; 180°), (0°, 91°, 0°) to (0°, 114°, 0°), (90°, 78°, 90°) to (90°, 102°, 90°), (7°, 90°, 0°) to (53°, 90°, 0°), (67°, 90°, 0°) to (113°, 90°, 0°), and (127°, 90°, 0°) to (173°, 90°, 0°); and the Euler angles at which k² of the Stoneley wave is 0.1% or less are in the range of (90°, 90°, 20°) to (90°, 90°, 40°), and (0°, 100°, 0°) to (0°, 106°, 0°) .

By using a LiNbO₃ substrate having the Euler angles in one of the ranges described above, a boundary acoustic wave device using the SH type boundary acoustic wave can also be provided in which the spurious response is small or the spurious is not generated.

Under all the conditions of the calculated results in FIGS. 10 to 69, the propagation losses U2-αm and U2-αf of the SH type boundary acoustic wave were 0, and superior propagation properties were obtained.

In addition, it is understood that the acoustic velocities U2-Vm of the SH type boundary acoustic wave are mostly in the range of approximately 3,000 to 3,400 m/second, and that the change caused by the cut angle is small.

Accordingly, by the equation (5) described above, it is understood that even when the cut angle is changed, an electrode thickness H at which the propagation loss is 0 can be obtained.

In addition, it is understood that the temperature coefficients of frequency U2-TCFm of the SH type boundary acoustic wave are mostly in the range of −30 to −39 ppm/° C., and that the change caused by the cur angle is not so significant. Hence, it is understood that even when the cut angle is:changed in accordance with the above equations (6) to (8), the electrode thickness H can be determined so as to decrease the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF.

In particular, when the Euler angles are in the range of (0°, 90°, 0°) to (0°, 90°, 68°), (0°, 90°, 112°) to (0°, 90°, 180°), (90°, 90°, 0°) to (90°, 90°, 77°), (90°, 90°, 120°) to (90°, 90°, 180°), (0°, 32°, 0°) to (0°, 137°, 0°), (0°, 120°, 90°) to (0°, 154°, 90°), (90°, 38°, 0°) to (90°, 142°, 0°), (90°, 30°, 90°) to (90°, 48°, 90°), (90°, 132°, 90°) to (90°, 149°, 90°), and (0°, 90°, 0°) to (180°, 90°, 0°), U2-TCFm is −35 ppm/° C. or more and are superior to that obtained by different Euler angles.

In addition, a superior power flow angle U2-PFAm, such as an absolute value of 1° or less, of the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be obtained when the Euler angles are in the range of (0°, 0°, 0°) to (0°, 0°, 180°), (0°, 90°, 0°) to (0°, 90°, 10°), (0°, 90°, 74°) to (0°, 90°, 106°), (0°, 90°, 170°) to (0°, 90°, 180°), (90°, 0°, 0°) to (90°, 0°, 180°), (90°, 90°, 12°) to (90°, 90°, 31°), (90°, 90°, 106°) to (90°, 90°, 117°), (0°, 0°, 0°) to (0°, 180°, 0°), (0°, 0°, 90°) to (0°, 180°, 90°), (90°, 0°, 0°) to (90°, 22°, 0°), (90°, 158°, 0°) to (90°, 180°, 0°), (90°, 68°, 90°) to (90°, 112°, 90°), (0°, 0°, 0°) to (180°, 0°, 0°), (0°, 0°, 90°) to (180°, 0°, 90°), (0°, 90°, 0°) to (8°, 90°, 0°), (52°, 90°, 0°) to (68°, 90°, 0°), (112°, 90°, 0°) to (128°, 90°, 0°), (172°, 90°, 0°) to (180°, 90°, 0°), (0°, 90°, 90°) to (16°, 90°, 90°), (44°, 90°, 90°) to (76°, 90°, 90°), (104°, 90°, 90°) to (136°, 90°, 90°), and (164°, 90°, 90°) to (180°, 90°, 90°).

In addition, when the Euler angles are in the range of (0°, 90°, 0°) to (0°, 90°, 38°), (0°, 90°, 142°) to (0°, 90°, 180°), (90°, 90°, 0°) to (90°, 90°, 36°), (90°, 90°, 140°) to (90°, 90°, 180°), (0°, 55°, 0°) to (0°, 134°, 0°), (90°, 51°, 0°) to (90°, 129°, 0°), and (0°, 90°, 0°) to (180°, 90°, 0°), the electromechanical coefficient k² of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is 5% or more which is sufficiently large so as to form an RF filter; when the Euler angles are in the range of (0°, 90°, 0°) to (0°, 90°, 25°), (0°, 90°, 155°) to (0°, 90°, 180°), (90°, 90°, 0°) to (90°, 90°, 23°), (90°, 90°, 151°) to (90°, 90°, 180°), (0°, 67°, 0°) to (0°, 121°, 0°), (90°, 63°, 0°) to (90°, 117°, 0°), and (0°, 90°, 0°) to (180°, 90°, 0°), the electromechanical coefficient k is more preferably increased to 10% or more; and when the Euler angles are in the range of (0°, 90°, 0°) to (0°, 90°, 13°), (0°, 90°, 167°) to (0°, 90°, 180°) (90°, 90°, 0°) to (90°, 90°, 11°), (90°, 90°, 162°) to (90°, 90°, 180°), (0°, 80°, 0°) to (0°, 110°, 0°), (90°, 75°, 0°) to (90°, 105°, 0°), and (0°, 90°, 0°) to (180°, 90°, 0°), the electromechanical coefficient k² is more preferably increased to 15% or more.

According to the knowledge of the inventor of the present invention, as for superior Euler angles at which K² of the Stoneley wave is decreased, Euler angles at which U2-TCFm becomes −35 ppm/° C. or more, and Euler angles at which the power flow angle U2-PFAm becomes 1% or less, even when φ, θ, and ψ are deviated up to approximately 5° from the ranges, superior properties equivalent to those described above can be obtained. In addition, the calculated values were obtained when the thickness of the Au electrode was 0.07 λ, and in the case of another electrode material, equivalent results to those described above are also obtained.

EXAMPLE 4

A boundary acoustic wave device was formed by forming electrodes made of Au having a thickness of 0.05 λ on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, 0°), and then forming a SiO₂ film so as to cover the Au electrodes. In this boundary acoustic wave device, the relationship of the Euler angle θ on the LiNbO₃ substrate with the acoustic velocities V, the electromechanical coefficients k², and the temperature coefficients of frequency TCF of the SH type boundary acoustic wave and the Stoneley wave were measured. The results are shown in FIGS. 87 to 89.

In the entire region indicated by θ=0° to 180°, the propagation loss α was 0 dB/λ and the power flow angle PFA was 0.

As can be seen from FIG. 88, in the case in which the SH type boundary acoustic wave is used when θ is 106°, it is understood that the electromechanical coefficient k² of the Stoneley wave, which causes a spurious response, becomes approximately 0.

Next, a boundary acoustic wave device was formed by forming electrodes made of Au having a thickness of 0.06 λ on a LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, θ, ψ), and then forming a SiO₂ film on the electrodes made of Au. In this boundary acoustic wave device, the relationship of the Euler angles θ and ψ of the LiNbO₃ substrate with the acoustic velocities V, the electromechanical coefficients k², the propagation losses α, and the temperature coefficients of frequency TCF of the SH type boundary acoustic wave and the Stoneley wave were measured. The results of the SH type boundary acoustic wave are shown in FIGS. 77, and the results of the Stoneley wave are shown in FIGS. 78.

In the entire regions shown in FIGS. 77 and 78, the propagation loss a was 0 dB/λ. In addition, as for the acoustic velocities V and the temperature coefficients of frequency TCF, with respect to the condition at which φ is 0° shown in FIGS. 87 to 89, a significant change was not observed. Hence, in FIGS. 77 and 78, only the results of the electromechanical coefficient k² (%) are shown.

As can be seen from FIG. 78, the electromechanical coefficient k², which is the response of the Stoneley wave, is small, such as 1.5% or less, in a region surrounded by points from A01 to A13 shown in Table 4 below. In addition, in a region surrounded by points from B01 to B12 shown in Table 5 below, the electromechanical coefficient k² is preferably decreased to 1.0% or less, and in a region surrounded by points from C01 to C08 shown in Table 6 below, k² is more preferably decreased to 0.5% or less. In addition, at Euler angles (0°, 106°, 0°), the electromechanical coefficient k², that is, the response of the Stoneley wave, is approximately 0%. TABLE 4 POINT ψ(°) θ(°) A01 0 116 A02 11 118 A03 20 123 A04 25 127 A05 33 140 A06 60 140 A07 65 132 A08 54 112 A09 48 90 A10 43 87 A11 24 90 A12 0 91 A13 0 116

TABLE 5 POINT ψ(°) θ(°) B01 0 114 B02 11 115 B03 24 120 B04 37 132 B05 42 137 B06 48 137 B07 52 135 B08 55 129 B09 46 99 B10 40 93 B11 0 94 B12 0 114

TABLE 6 POINT ψ(°) θ(°) C01 0 112 C02 11 112 C03 36 116 C04 40 110 C05 36 103 C06 20 99 C07 0 98 C08 0 112

As can be seen from FIG. 77, the electromechanical coefficient k² of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is large, such as 2% or more, in a region surrounded by points F01 to F06 in Table 9 below; the electromechanical coefficient k² is preferably increased to 5% or more in a region surrounded by points E01 to E07 in Table 8 below; and the electromechanical coefficient k² is even more preferably increased to 10% or more in a region surrounded by points D01 to D07 in Table 7 below and becomes maximum at Euler angles (0°, 97°, 0°). TABLE 7 POINT ψ(°) θ(°) D01 0 126 D02 13 123 D03 25 112 D04 30 96 D05 29 80 D06 0 80 D07 0 126

TABLE 8 POINT ψ(°) θ(°) E01 0 133 E02 16 129 E03 27 120 E04 37 98 E05 38 80 E06 0 80 E07 0 133

TABLE 9 POINT ψ(°) θ(°) F01 20 140 F02 34 125 F03 44 106 F04 55 80 F05 0 80 F06 20 140

In addition, under the conditions shown in Tables 4 to 9, it was confirmed that even when Ag, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, W, Ta, Pt, Mo, Cr, Ti, ZnO, or ITO is used as the electrode material instead of Au, superior properties can also be obtained as described above.

In addition, in FIGS. 77 and 78 and Tables 4 to 9, it was confirmed that when −ψ is substituted for ψ, or θ+1800 is substituted for θ, for example, a plus or a minus sign of the power flow angle is merely reversed, and superior properties can also be obtained as described above.

EXAMPLE 5

Boundary acoustic wave devices were formed by forming electrodes made of Au having a thickness of 0.06 λ on respective LiNbO₃ substrates having Euler angles (φ, 105°, 0°) and (0°, 105°, ψ) and then forming SiO₂ films so as to cover the Au electrodes. In the case described above, the relationship of the Euler angles φ and ψ of the LiNbO₃ substrates with the acoustic velocities V, the electromechanical coefficients k², the propagation losses α, the temperature coefficients of frequency TCF, and the power flow PFAs of the SH type boundary acoustic wave and the Stoneley wave were measured. FIGS. 79 to 82 show the results obtained when the LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (φ, 105°, 0°) was used, and FIGS. 83 to 86 show the results obtained when the LiNbO₃ substrate having Euler angles (0°, 105°, ψ) was used. In the entire region indicated by θ=0° to 90°, the propagation loss α is 0 dB/λ.

As can be seen from FIGS. 79 to 82, the electromechanical coefficient k² of the Stoneley wave is small, such as 1.5% or less, in the range indicated by φ=0° to 31°; k² of the Stoneley wave is further decreased to 1.0% or less in the range indicated by φ=0° to 26°; and k² of the Stoneley wave is decreased to 0.5% or less in the range indicated by φ=0° to 19°. In addition, it is understood that the electromechanical coefficient k² of the Stoneley wave becomes approximately 0% when φ=0° holds and that hence the spurious response caused by the Stoneley wave is decreased. Furthermore, in the range indicated by φ=00 to 90°, TCF of the SH boundary acoustic wave is preferably in the range of −37 to −35 ppm/° C.

In addition, it was confirmed that in both cases in which the Euler angles are (φ, 105°, 0°) and (−φ, 105°, 0°), results equivalent to each other are obtained.

In addition, as can be seen from FIGS. 83 to 86, the electromechanical coefficient k² of the Stoneley wave is small, such as 1.5% or less, in the range in which ψ is 0° to 53°; the electromechanical coefficient k² of the Stoneley wave is further decreased to 1.0% or less in the range in which ψ is 0° to 47°; and the electromechanical coefficient k² of the Stoneley wave is decreased to 0.5% or less in the range in which ψ is 0° to 38°. When ψ is 0°, the electromechanical coefficient k² of the Stoneley wave is decreased to approximately 0%, and hence it is understood that the spurious response caused by the Stoneley wave is decreased. In addition, in the range in which ψ is 0° to 90°, a superior TCF of the SH boundary acoustic wave having −35 to −31 ppm/° C. can be obtained.

In addition, it was confirmed that when the Euler angles are (0°, 105°, ψ) and (0°, 105°, −ψ), for example, a plus or a minus sign of the power flow angle is merely reversed, and that properties equivalent to each other can be obtained.

EXAMPLE 6

Under the conditions shown in Table 10 below, an SH type boundary acoustic wave resonator was formed. FIG. 70 is a schematic plan view showing an electrode structure of the SH type boundary acoustic wave resonator of this embodiment. In this structure, on both sides of an IDT 21, reflectors 22 and 23 were disposed. The impedance properties obtained when a LiNbO₃ having Euler angles (0°, 90°, 0°) was used are as shown in FIG. 71. The impedance ratio (ratio between the maximum and the minimum absolute values of impedances of the resonator) is 56.8 dB, and the difference between resonance frequency and antiresonance frequency (value obtained by dividing the absolute value of the difference between the resonant frequency and the antiresonant frequency by the resonant frequency) is 6.9%.

The impedance properties obtained when a LiNbO₃ having Euler angles (0°, 105°, 0°) was used are as shown in FIG. 72. The impedance ratio is 59.4 dB, the difference between resonance frequency and antiresonance frequency is 6.8%, and the TCF is 31 ppm/° C.

When a LiNbO₃ is used having Euler angles in the range in which the electromechanical coefficient of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is increased, Euler angles in the range in which the electromechanical coefficient of the Stoneley wave is decreased, Euler angles in the range in which the temperature coefficient of frequency TCF of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is decreased, and Euler angles in the range in which the power flow angle of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is decreased, an SH boundary acoustic wave resonator having superior resonant properties can be formed in which the Stoneley spurious is not generated.

The calculated values of displacement components U1, U2, and U3 of this SH type boundary acoustic wave are shown in FIG. 73. As shown in the figure, the displacements are concentrated around the Au which is the boundary layer and are distributed while oozing into the SiO₂ and the LiNbO₃. Accordingly, when the electrode thickness is small as described above, the SH boundary acoustic wave is affected by the SiO₂ and LiNbO₃ each having high acoustic velocities, and as a result, the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave cannot be decreased lower than that of the slow transverse wave of the SiO₂. On the other hand, when the electrode thickness is increases in accordance with the condition represented by the equation (5), the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave can be decreased lower than that of the slow transverse wave of the SiO₂. TABLE 10 ITEMS DETAILS STRUCTURE SiO₂/Au/LiNbO₃ SiO₂ THICKNESS 3 λ Au THICKNESS 0.055 λ IDT, REFLECTOR 2.2 μm PERIOD λ IDT CONFIGURATION NORMAL TYPE SINGLE STRIP, 50 PAIRS, OPEN LENGTH OF 31 λ, CROSS WIDTH of 30 λ REFLECTOR NORMAL TYPE SINGLE STRIP, 51 STRIPS, CONFIGURATION OPEN LENGTH OF 31 λ

EXAMPLE 7

When the band width of a longitudinal coupled resonator filter or that of a ladder type filter and the difference between the resonance frequency and the antiresonance frequency of a resonator can be optionally adjusted, the market for this application can be expected to grow. The band width of a longitudinal coupled resonator filter or that of a ladder type filter and the difference between the resonance frequency and the antiresonance frequency of a resonator are in direct proportion to the electromechanical coefficient k². According to the graph shown in FIG. 66, at Euler angles in the range of (90°, 90°, 0°) to (90°, 90°, 60°) and (90°, 90°, 143°) to (90°, 90°, 180°), it is understood that the electromechanical coefficient k² of the SH type boundary acoustic wave, which is a primary response, is 0.8% to 17.8%, and that the electromechanical coefficient of the Stoneley wave, which is a spurious response, is small, such as 2%. Hence, in order to adjust the electromechanical coefficient k² of the SH type boundary acoustic wave, an SH boundary acoustic wave resonator was formed having the structure shown in Table 11 below. FIG. 74 is a graph showing the impedance properties obtained when a LiNbO₃ was used having v of Euler angles (90°, 90°, ψ) in the range of 0° to 35°. As shown in FIG. 66, since the electromechanical coefficient k² is changed from 17.6% to 5.3% as ψ is changed from 0° to 35°, the difference between the resonant and the antiresonant frequencies of the resonator is decreased. FIG. 75 is a graph showing the relationship of ψ of Euler angles (90°, 90°, ψ) with the difference between the resonant and the antiresonant frequencies and the impedance ratio. It is understood that the difference between the resonant and the antiresonant frequencies is decreased when ψ is changed from 0° to 60° as is the change in k² shown in FIG. 66. In addition, it can be confirmed that when ψ is in the range of 0° to 50°, superior resonant properties having an impedance ratio of 30 dB or more can be obtained. When a ladder type filter or 2IDT or 3IDT longitudinal coupled resonator type filter is formed under the same conditions as described above, as has been well known, the band width of the filter is two times the difference between the resonant and the antiresonant frequencies. Hence, various devices from broad-band resonators and filters to narrow-band resonators and filters can be formed. TABLE 11 ITEMS DETAILS STRUCTURE SiO₂/Au/LiNbO₃ SiO₂ THICKNESS 3 λ Au THICKNESS 0.055 λ IDT, REFLECTOR 2.2 μm PERIOD λ IDT CONFIGURATION NORMAL TYPE SINGLE STRIP, 50 PAIRS, OPEN LENGTH OF 31 λ, CROSS WIDTH of 30 λ REFLECTOR NORMAL TYPE SINGLE STRIP, 51 STRIPS, CONFIGURATION OPEN LENGTH OF 31 λ

When the thickness H of the electrode is small, the Stoneley wave is slow as compared to the SH type-boundary acoustic wave; however, when the electrode thickness is increased, the SH type boundary acoustic wave becomes slow as compared to the Stoneley wave. The reason for this is believed that concentration of energy of the SH type boundary acoustic wave at a boundary layer having a slow acoustic velocity is significant as compared to that of the Stoneley wave.

The thickness of the electrode at which the acoustic velocity of the Stoneley wave becomes higher or lower than that of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is changed depending on the Euler angles of the LiNbO₃ substrate; however, at an electrode thickness in the range of 0.01 λ to 0.03 λ, the change in relationship therebetween described above occurred. The reason the spurious response caused by the Stoneley wave was generated at a higher frequency side than the response of the SH type boundary acoustic wave in EXAMPLES 2, 4, and 5 is this phenomenon.

As described above, when the response of the Stoneley wave, which is a spurious response, is disposed at a higher frequency side than the response of the SH type boundary acoustic wave, which is a primary response, the acoustic velocity of the Stoneley wave becomes higher than that of the SH type boundary acoustic wave. In this case, when the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is decreased lower than that of slow transverse waves of two media forming the boundary, and the acoustic velocity of the Stoneley wave is increased higher than that of at least one of the slow transverse waves of the two media forming the boundary, the propagation loss of the Stoneley wave is increased, and hence the spurious response can be suppressed. When a boundary acoustic wave device is formed using an IDT, the acoustic velocity of a boundary acoustic wave propagating in the IDT portion can be obtained by multiplying the response frequency of the boundary acoustic wave and a strip period λI of the IDT.

In addition, besides Au, Ag, Cu, or Al, the electrode may be formed using a conductive film composed, for example, of Fe, Ni, W, Ta, Pt, Mo, Cr, Ti, ZnO, or ITO. In addition, in order to improve adhesion and electric power resistance, onto an electrode layer made of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, or an alloy thereof, at least one second electrode layer made of a different metal material such as Ti, Cr, or a NiCr alloy may be laminated. In this case, the second electrode layer may be provided between a first electrode layer and the piezoelectric substance or between the first electrode layer and the dielectric substance, or the second electrode layers may be provided at both places described above.

Furthermore, in the boundary acoustic wave device of the present invention, in order to improve the strength of the boundary acoustic wave device or to prevent corrosive gases from entering, a protective layer may be formed outside the laminate composed of the dielectric substance, electrodes, and piezoelectric substance along the lamination direction. In some cases, the boundary acoustic wave device of the present invention may be sealed in a package.

The protective layer described above may be formed of an insulating material such as titanium oxide, aluminum nitride, or aluminum oxide, a metal film such as Au, Al, or W, or a resin such as a urethane, an epoxy, or a silicone resin.

In addition, in the present invention, the above piezoelectric substance may be a piezoelectric film formed on a dielectric substance.

In the present invention, the thickness of the dielectric substance and that of the piezoelectric substance are not required to be infinite as is the model used as the base for calculation and may be sufficient when energy of the boundary acoustic wave is confined around the electrodes which function as the boundary. That is, for example, the thickness may be 1 λ or more.

EXAMPLE 8

In addition, when the above protective layers are formed outside of a boundary acoustic wave structure composed of a dielectric substance, electrodes, and a piezoelectric substance to form the structure composed, for example, of the protective layer, the dielectric substance, the electrodes, the piezoelectric substance, and the protective layer, and when oscillation is allowed to slightly ooze also into protective layer portions, the thickness of the dielectric substance and that of the piezoelectric substance can be decreased. For example, in a ladder type filter 24 having a circuit structure shown in FIG. 76 formed by using an SH type boundary acoustic wave resonator having an epoxy resin/SiO_(2/)Au-IDT/LiNbO₃ structure, when the thickness of SiO₂ was 1 λ, the insertion loss of the propagation properties was 1.5 dB, and when the thickness was 0.71 λ, the loss was 1.8 dB; hence, it was confirmed that although being degraded as the thickness of SiO₂ is decreased, the loss is still at a practically acceptable level. In the boundary acoustic wave device of the present invention, since the IDT is formed using a heavy material, energy of the SH boundary acoustic wave is concentrated at and distributed around the Au-IDT which is the boundary layer, as described above, and the amount of energy oozing from the SiO₂ having a small acoustic damping to the epoxy resin having a large damping is small. Hence, even when the thickness of SiO₂ is decreased, the degradation in loss is small.

In this case, the thickness of the epoxy resin was 3 λ, the thickness of Au was 0.054 λ, the thickness of LN was 146 λ, and the Euler angles of the LiNbO₃ were (0°, 105°, 0°). In addition, in the SH type boundary acoustic wave resonator used for the ladder type filter, the IDT had an open length of 30 λ and 50 pairs having a normal type single strip structure, the reflector had 50 normal type single strip structures, the distance between the IDT and the reflector was 0.5 λ as the distance between the centers of adjacent strips, and the period of the IDT was 2.4 μm which was equal to that of the reflector.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the electrodes may include a sheet electrode film forming a waveguide or a bus bar, an IDT or comb-shaped electrode exciting a boundary acoustic wave, and a reflector reflecting a boundary acoustic wave.

In addition, in this specification, as the Euler angles which represent the cut surface of a substrate and the propagation direction of a boundary acoustic wave, the right-hand Euler angle system is used which has been disclosed in “Acoustic Wave Device Technology Handbook” (edited by Acoustic Wave Device Technology 150th Committee of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, first print/first edition issued on Nov. 30, 2001, p. 549). That is, with respect to crystal axes X, Y, and Z of LN, an Xa axis is obtained by φ rotation of the X axis about the Z axis in an anticlockwise direction. Next, a Z′ axis is obtained by θ rotation of the Z axis about the Xa axis in an anticlockwise direction. A plane including the Xa axis and having the Z′ axis as the normal line is set as the cut surface of a substrate. Subsequently, the direction of an X′ axis obtained by ψ rotation of the Xa axis about the Z′ axis in an anticlockwise direction is set as the propagation direction of a boundary acoustic wave.

In addition, as for the crystal axes X, Y, and Z of LiNbO₃ represented as the initial values of Euler angles, the Z axis is set parallel to the c-axis, the X axis is set parallel to any one of the three equivalent a-axes in three different directions, and the Y axis is set parallel to the normal line of a plane including the X axis and the Z axis.

In addition to the Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ) of LiNbO₃ of the present invention, Euler angles equivalent thereto from a crystallographic point of view may also used. For example, according to technical document 7 (Journal of the Acoustical Society of Japan, Vol. 36, No. 3, 1980, pp. 140 to 145), since LiNbO₃ is a trigonal crystal belonging to the 3 m point group, the following equation (A) holds. $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {{F\left( {\phi,\theta,\psi} \right)} = {F\left( {{{60{^\circ}} - \phi},{- \theta},\psi} \right)}} \\ {= {F\left( {{{60{^\circ}} + \phi},{- \theta},{{180{^\circ}} - \psi}} \right)}} \\ {= {F\left( {\phi,{{180{^\circ}} + \theta},{{180{^\circ}} - \psi}} \right)}} \\ {= {F\left( {\phi,\theta,{{180{^\circ}} + \psi}} \right)}} \end{matrix} & {{Equation}\quad(A)} \end{matrix}$

In the above equation, F is an optional boundary acoustic-wave property such as the electromechanical coefficient k², propagation loss, TCF, PFA, or a natural unidirectional property. As for PFA and natural unidirectional property, for example, when the propagation direction is reversed, although a plus or a minus sign indicating the direction is changed, the absolute value of the property is not changed, and hence it can be construed that they are practically equivalent to each other. In addition, although the technical document 7 relates to the surface acoustic wave, even when the boundary acoustic wave is discussed, the symmetry of crystal may also be handled in the same manner as disclosed the technical document 7. For example, propagation properties of a boundary acoustic wave at Euler angles (30°, η, ψ) are equivalent to those at Euler angles (90°, 180°−θ, 180°−ψ). In addition, propagation properties of a boundary acoustic wave at Euler angles (30°, 90°, 45°) are equivalent to those at Euler angles shown in Table 12 below.

In addition, the material constant of the electrode used for calculation in the present invention is the value of a polycrystalline substance; however, even in a crystal substance such as an epitaxial film, since the crystal orientation dependence of a substrate dominantly influences the boundary acoustic wave properties as compared to that of the film itself, in the case of the equivalent Euler angles represented by the equation (A), equivalent propagation properties which may not cause any practical problems can be obtained. 

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A boundary acoustic wave device comprising: a piezoelectric substance; a dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance; and electrodes disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, the boundary acoustic wave device utilizing an SH type boundary acoustic wave propagating along the boundary; wherein the thickness of the electrodes is set such that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is less than that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and than that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance.
 16. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 15, wherein each of the electrodes primarily comprises an electrode layer which is composed of at least one conductive material selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, W, Ta, Pt, Mo, Cr, Ti, ZnO, ITO, and an alloy primarily containing at least one of the conductive materials.
 17. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 16, wherein each of the electrodes further comprises at least one second electrode layer containing a conductive material other than the conductive materials forming the electrode layer.
 18. A boundary acoustic wave device comprising: a piezoelectric substance; a dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance; and electrodes defined by strips disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, the boundary acoustic wave device using an SH type boundary acoustic wave propagating along the boundary; wherein a duty ratio of the strips defining the electrodes is set such that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is less than that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and than that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance.
 19. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 18, wherein each of the electrodes primarily comprises an electrode layer which is composed of at least one conductive material selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, W, Ta, Pt, Mo, Cr, Ti, ZnO, ITO, and an alloy primarily containing at least one of the conductive materials.
 20. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 19, wherein each of the electrodes further comprises at least one second electrode layer containing a conductive material other than the conductive materials forming the electrode layer.
 21. A boundary acoustic wave device comprising: a piezoelectric substance primarily composed of LiNbO₃; a dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance; and electrodes disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, the boundary acoustic wave device using an SH type boundary acoustic wave propagating along the boundary; wherein φ of Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ) of the piezoelectric substance primarily composed of LiNbO₃ is in the range of about −31′ to about +31°, and θ and ψ are in a region surrounded by points A01 to A13 in Table 1 below: TABLE 1 POINT ψ(°) θ(°) A01 0 116 A02 11 118 A03 20 123 A04 25 127 A05 33 140 A06 60 140 A07 65 132 A08 54 112 A09 48 90 A10 43 87 A11 24 90 A12 0 91 A13 0 116


22. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 21, wherein θ and ψ of the Euler angles are in a region surrounded by points D01 to D07 in Table 2 below: TABLE 2 POINT ψ(°) θ(°) D01 0 126 D02 13 123 D03 25 112 D04 30 96 D05 29 80 D06 0 80 D07 0 126


23. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 21, wherein the thickness of the electrodes is set such that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is less than that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and than that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance.
 24. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 21, wherein the electrodes are defined by strips, and a duty ratio of strips defining the electrodes is set such that the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is less than that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the dielectric substance and than that of a slow transverse wave propagating in the piezoelectric substance.
 25. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 21, wherein the density p of the electrodes is more than about 3,745 kg/m³.
 26. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 21, wherein the thickness H of the electrodes satisfies the following equation (1): 33,000.39050ρ^(−1.50232) <H<88,818.90913ρ^(−1.54998)   equation(1)
 27. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 21, wherein each of the electrodes primarily comprises an electrode layer which is composed of at least one conductive material selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, W, Ta, Pt, Mo, Cr, Ti, ZnO, ITO, and an alloy primarily containing at least one of the conductive materials.
 28. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 27, wherein each of the electrodes further comprises at least one second electrode layer containing a conductive material other than the conductive materials forming the electrode layer.
 29. A boundary acoustic wave device comprising: a piezoelectric substance primarily composed of LiNbO₃; a dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance and primarily composed of SiO₂; and electrodes disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance; wherein when the density of the electrodes, the thickness of the electrodes, and the wavelength of a boundary acoustic wave are represented by ρ (kg/m³), H (λ), and λ, respectively, H>8,261.744ρ^(−1.376) holds, and Euler angles of the piezoelectric substance are in the range of (1°, 90°, 0°) to (0°, 90°, 38°), (0°, 90°, 142°) to (0°, 90°, 180°), (90°, 90°, 0°) to (90°, 90°, 36°), (90°, 90°, 140°) to (90°, 90°, 180°), (0°, 55°, 0°) to (0°, 134°, 0°), (90°, 51°, 0°) to (90°, 129°, 0°), or (0°, 90°, 0°) to (180°, 90°, 0°).
 30. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 19, wherein the Euler angles of the piezoelectric substance are equivalent to Euler angles represented by the following equation (A) at which boundary acoustic wave properties are obtained which are substantially equivalent to those of the piezoelectric substance: $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {{F\left( {\phi,\theta,\psi} \right)} = {F\left( {{{60{^\circ}} - \phi},{- \theta},\psi} \right)}} \\ {= {F\left( {{{60{^\circ}} + \phi},{- \theta},{{180{^\circ}} - \psi}} \right)}} \\ {= {F\left( {\phi,{{180{^\circ}} + \theta},{{180{^\circ}} - \psi}} \right)}} \\ {= {{F\left( {\phi,\theta,{{180{^\circ}} + \psi}} \right)}\quad\ldots}} \end{matrix} & {{equation}\quad{(A).}} \end{matrix}$
 31. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 29, wherein the density p of the electrodes is more than about 3,745 kg/m
 32. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 29, wherein the thickness H of the electrodes satisfies the following equation (1): 33,000.39050ρ^(−1.50232) <H<88,818.90913ρ^(−1.54998)   equation (1).
 33. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 29, wherein each of the electrodes primarily comprises an electrode layer which is composed of at least one conductive material selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, W, Ta, Pt, Mo, Cr, Ti, ZnO, ITO, and an alloy primarily containing at least one of the conductive materials.
 34. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 33, wherein each of the electrodes further comprises at least one second electrode layer containing a conductive material other than the conductive materials forming the electrode layer.
 35. A boundary acoustic wave device comprising: a piezoelectric substance primarily composed of LiNbO₃; a dielectric substance laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric substance and primarily composed of SiO₂; and electrodes disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance, the boundary acoustic wave device using an SH type boundary acoustic wave propagating along the boundary; wherein when the density of the electrodes, the thickness of the electrodes, and the wavelength of the boundary acoustic wave are represented by p (kg/m³), H (λ), and λ, respectively, H>8,261.744ρ^(−1.376) is maintained.
 36. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 35, wherein the density p of the electrodes is more than about 3,745 kg/m³.
 37. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 35, wherein the thickness H of the electrodes satisfies the following equation (1): 33,000.39050ρ^(−1.50232) <H<88,818.90913ρ^(−1.54998)   equation (1).
 38. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 35, wherein each of the electrodes primarily comprises an electrode layer which is composed of at least one conductive material selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, W, Ta, Pt, Mo, Cr, Ti, ZnO, ITO, and an alloy primarily containing at least one of the conductive materials.
 39. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 38, wherein each of the electrodes further comprises at least one second electrode layer containing a conductive material other than the conductive materials forming the electrode layer.
 40. A boundary acoustic wave device comprising a boundary acoustic-wave propagation structure in which an SH type boundary acoustic wave and a Stoneley wave propagate, wherein the acoustic velocity of the SH type boundary acoustic wave is less than that of slow transverse waves of two media forming a boundary, and the acoustic velocity of the Stoneley wave is greater than that of at least one of the slow transverse waves of the two media.
 41. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 40, wherein each of the electrodes primarily comprises an electrode layer which is composed of at least one conductive material selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, W, Ta, Pt, Mo, Cr, Ti, ZnO, ITO, and an alloy primarily containing at least one of the conductive materials.
 42. The boundary acoustic wave device according to claim 41, wherein each of the electrodes further comprises at least one second electrode layer containing a conductive material other than the conductive materials forming the electrode layer. 